Latest Western Cape Property News — 2026-02-13

Today's Key Takeaways

Four practical stories dominated the last 48 hours: policy asks ahead of SONA, a clearer breakdown of transfer-duty costs, how value is being defined by buyers in 2026, and a sober reminder about eviction compliance for landlords. Together they signal a market that is more cautious, more cost‑aware, and increasingly focused on compliance and fundamentals.

Stories That Matter

Stability, tax relief, services, infrastructure, growth-policies vital ahead of SONA

Source: Property24 | Date: 2026-02-12

With President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2026, Seeff Property Group chair Samuel Seeff outlined five signals the property sector wants to see to sustain the early‑2026 “green shoots.” First is tax relief: no further property tax hikes, a higher transfer‑duty exemption threshold of about R1.3–R1.4 million (from R1.21m), and an updated First Home Finance income ceiling. Second is faster approvals by fully digitising the Deeds Office and accelerating zoning and subdivision decisions to unlock construction investment. Third is municipal reform and improved service delivery, which Seeff argues is critical to value growth and investor confidence. Fourth is infrastructure repair and expansion—water, electricity and roads—especially in high‑growth urban areas and Cape coastal towns strained by semigration. Finally, he stresses the stability of the Government of National Unity as the single most important sentiment driver for investment and a stable rand. Read more: https://www.property24.com/articles/stability-tax-relief-services-infrastructure-growth-policies-vital-ahead-of-sona/32946

Guide: Understanding transfer duties and fees in South Africa

Source: Property24 | Date: 2026-02-12

This guide unpacks the hidden costs that often catch buyers off guard. Transfer duty is a SARS tax charged on properties above the exemption threshold, calculated on a sliding scale, with first‑time buyers and purchases below the threshold potentially exempt. But the purchase price is only part of the bill: buyers also face conveyancing fees, bond registration fees, deeds office charges and, in some areas or estates, clearance or initiation fees. Property24 quotes Meridian Realty’s Antonie Goosen warning that these costs can materially affect affordability and even derail transactions if not planned for early. The core advice is to request a full cost estimate from a conveyancer before submitting an offer to purchase, then build in buffers for compliance certificates, moving costs and insurance. The broader point is that transparency on total transaction costs leads to more confident, finance‑ready buyers and fewer surprises at registration. Read more: https://www.property24.com/articles/guide-understanding-transfer-duties-and-fees-in-south-africa/32944

Where buyers are scoring great value in 2026

Source: Property24 | Date: 2026-02-12

Meridian Realty’s Antonie Goosen says “value” in 2026 is no longer about distressed bargains; it is about buying in areas with resilient demand and sustainable fundamentals. Buyers are far more strategic, weighing running costs, levies, energy resilience, location and resale prospects alongside price. This has made the market less tolerant of overpricing, with well‑priced listings drawing serious interest faster than aspirational stock. In the Western Cape, value is being found just outside premium suburbs where buyers trade proximity for space, lifestyle balance and manageable pricing. Semigration still supports demand, but buyers are more selective about infrastructure capacity, water security and traffic congestion. Gauteng remains a value market for secure sectional‑title developments and estates near employment nodes, where functionality and predictable costs matter more than prestige. The article’s throughline is a shift toward realism on both sides of the transaction. Read more: https://www.property24.com/articles/where-buyers-are-scoring-great-value-in-2026/32945

Evictions in South Africa: How landlords can protect themselves

Source: Property24 | Date: 2026-02-11

Property professionals warn that evictions are now heavily regulated and should be treated as a last resort. The best protection for landlords is rigorous tenant vetting from the start, including checks that go beyond payslips and basic credit assessments to build a fuller reliability profile. The article stresses the need for a professionally drafted lease and a working knowledge of the key legal frameworks—the Consumer Protection Act, Rental Housing Act and the PIE Act. When a tenant defaults, landlords must follow formal breach procedures, typically giving 20 business days to remedy before a lease can be cancelled. Only a court order and the sheriff can remove a tenant; informal tactics such as lockouts or cutting utilities are illegal and can backfire. Detailed record‑keeping, clear communication and, where appropriate, rental‑default insurance are recommended to reduce risk and avoid costly disputes. Read more: https://www.property24.com/articles/evictions-in-south-africa-how-landlords-can-protect-themselves/32007

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